Episode 200 – Season 9’s Top 20

WHAT A SEASON THIS WILL BE!  

I couldn't begin to imagine how Season 8 could possibly be topped, and yet here are 20 dancers just as formidable - if not moreso - as last year's contenders.  No clear runaway winner out of the gate, but I definitely have some favorites, and am over the moon that they all made it.  Let's run it down, by routine (with all due apologies for my random whack at spelling several folks' names) - *SPOILER ALERT*:

Alexa, Amber, George, Will – BEAUTIFUL Tyce Diorio routine.  And YAY, Alexa!  Finally, she let herself go emotionally, and it made all the difference.  It was like watching an entirely different dancer, and had she been able to do that last year, Ryan Ramirez wouldn’tve made the show.  (So thank you, Alexa, for not quite getting there until this year!  Now, you go girl!)

Nick, Whitney, Lindsey - a)  Thank GOD, because the thought that either of those girls would not have made it into the top 20 was giving me fits such that I was rethinking watching this show.  and b) That is probably THE BEST BALLROOM NUMBER I have seen on this show.  Absolutely, MINDBLOWINGLY phenomenal. Holy crap, those girls are unreal.

Eliana, Daniel, Keon (sp?) - I’ll be curious to see if either of these boys makes it very far.  Both are great; neither strike me as truly exceptional.  Daniel’s consistent alright, but it borders on “playing it safe.”  He’s also peeked out a bit of an attitude from time to time, although that may or may not matter in the end.  Keon, meanwhile, is powerful and beautiful, but occasionally…imperfect. Desmond Richardson’s routine?  Breathtaking, as always.

Tiffany, Audrey, & (in spirit) Janelle - Yep, that was a Sonya routine! And Audrey had good cause to be worried, because that routine proved just how very similar she and Tiffany really were.  They were virtually indistinguishable, and it will be critical that they each find a way—hopefully with less homogenizing routines—to stand out.  That said, it was a GREAT routine that really showcased their abilities – similar though they were.  Certainly looking forward to Janelle getting well enough to join them by next show.

  

Matthew, Darien, Janiah, Amelia - I have to admit personally rooting for Amelia, but I also think it was the right decision, when you think about the “star quality” and “uniqueness” that they’re always talking about wanting.  Jill is a great dancer, but there are a lot of great dancers this season.  You’ve got to be more than great, and Amelia has that special something.  I have to admit, I didn't see Janiah coming, but I'm looking forward to seeing what she has to offer as the show progresses.  As for the Stacey Tookey routine:  *sigh* Stacy remains a treasured favorite.  It was happy and delightful and altogether lovely.

Cole, Brandon, Cyrus - Routine:  AWESOME.  What an incredible medley of their individual styles!  I am so thrilled that Cyrus made it, because even if he doesn’t make it past the first show, it was worth it just to see him make the top 20.  He has more drive and positivity in his little finger than most dancers on this show have had in their entire bodies.  Meanwhile:  Cole, fascinating to watch.  Brandon, glad to finally have a stepper in the crew!  But really, there is nobody I am happier to see in the top 20 than Cyrus.  WELCOME!!!

Top 10 Girls – Travis Wall piece (without Janelle):  TRAVIS. WALL. IS. BRILLIANT.  Okay, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest:  WOW, ladies!  Again, I’m wondering how in the heck we’re going to pick just ONE of them.  Oy.  Positively exquisite collection of young women.

Top 10 Boys – Sonya Tayeh routine:  NICE.  I cannot wait to see these guys compete this year!  Yep, I had my eye on Cyrus, and he held his own.  As my husband pointed out, you not only get the sense that he is pouring his heart and soul and every effort into everything he’s given, but he goes home and practices.  But he’s certainly not alone in the talent and watchability department, so bring it on, fellas!

Top 20, Mia Michaels routine:  YES!  Much prefer her as a choreographer than as a judge.  Welcome back, Mia! And fantastic performance by every single one of the top [19 of the 20 that were able to dance].  Congratulations, and good luck to you all!

I'm gonna say that the top 10 includes Whitney and Lindsey...and that's about all the farther out I'll stick my neck at this point.  Anyone else care to make any predictions???